Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) shoots against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Rockets Rising Star Vows to Be New Player Next Season

Originally posted on Houston Rockets on SI
By Alec Elijah | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 3:00 PM ET

Rockets All-Star center Alperen Sengun is not the only rising star for the Rockets who is staying focused on the grind during this offseason. Third-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. has been in the lab this week and even took the time to chop it up with media as he prepares for next season.

As reported by Houston Sports Anchor Ari Alexander, the 22-year-old forward is hoping to become a whole different player next season, in hopes of helping Houston make a deeper playoff run than this past season.

I spoke with #Rockets Forward Jabari Smith Jr. recently as he was working out with @EBTMiller.

Smith Jr. tells me he wants to become “a whole different player” next season and is focusing on ball handling, creating his own shot and upping his motor. pic.twitter.com/a7ucHWZTUt
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) June 14, 2025

"Smith Jr. tells me he wants to become “a whole different player” next season and is focusing on ball handling, creating his own shot, and upping his motor." stated Alexander on X.

Smith Jr., working on creating his shot, may be the most important factor this offseason for the rising star. If he can effectively score for Houston next season, they are certain to win more games, as the Rockets were 16-2 this season when Smith scored at least 15 points.

Efficient year for Bari Buckets pic.twitter.com/RGmR4izGpa
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) June 10, 2025

He's already regarded as one of the best young defenders in the league, ranking third in defensive rating (106.1) among players averaging 30 minutes per game. If Smith Jr. can become a threat on offense, he has the potential to be one of the best two-way players not just on the Rockets but in the league.

His name has popped up amid the Kevin Durant trade conversations as the Rockets continue to pursue the former NBA MVP and champion, however they may be reluctant to include a player of Smith Jr.'s caliber.

The Rockets and Suns have been in contact about a Kevin Durant trade for over a year, with different frameworks discussed in that time.

Recently, Jabari Smith Jr.’s name has come up pertaining to the Suns’ interest, team and league sources tell @KellyIko. pic.twitter.com/VBzDV5F9YI
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 15, 2025

"There is always a price point where the Rockets will be intrigued enough to do business," said Kelly Iko of The Athletic. "But unless Houston’s brass is suddenly enamored with parting ways with core talents, it looks like they’re fine with running it back."

And running it back may just be where Houston is headed if they intend to keep Jabari Smith Jr. and see what type of player he could potentially become next season.

This article first appeared on Houston Rockets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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